About the job

Job summary

United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) is the main UK government provider of security clearances. One of our roles is the Vetting Clearance Officer and this role sits within our operational delivery department. 

We are seeking individuals to join as a Vetting Clearance Officer (VCO). This role is integral to the security vetting process and it is an exciting time to join UKSV.

Job description

You will join a team of experienced and passionate individuals who carry out investigative interviews as part of our vetting service. You will be working in a target driven environment and must be able to adapt to change. As a VCO, your key duties will include:

• Engaging with our applicants and conducting investigative interviews.
• Producing high quality reports, making informed decisions and recommendations as to the suitability of an individual holding security clearance, taking into account any national security-related risk factors identified.
• Effectively listening to and processing sensitive information shared at interview; being supportive and, showing empathy and understanding of difficult situations without being judgemental.
• Working in a target driven environment and being adaptable to change, including being trained/upskilled and deployed to other Delivery areas, in support of the business as and when required.

Person specification

As Vetting Clearance Officer within UK Security Vetting, we are looking for people who have the following expertise and attributes:

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and build relationships quickly.
• Ability to plan, control and lead conversations, with specific focus on capturing, understanding and articulating relevant risks.  
• Analytical skills with the ability to quickly identify, assess and condense information from a variety of sources.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner.
• Proficient use of IT including Google Suite (the role requires extensive report writing, so efficient typing skills are essential).
• Experience of managing difficult conversations.

Desirable criteria:

• Experience of working in a fast paced target driven environment.
• Previous interviewing experience.
• Previous experience in an investigative organisation.

Additional information:

A minimum 60% of your working time should be spent at your principal workplace. Although requirements to attend other locations for official business will also count towards this level of attendance.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £35,400, Cabinet Office contributes £9,558 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Ability and Experience.

After submission of the first stage of your application you will be invited to complete a Civil Service Numerical Test and a Civil Service Verbal Test. If you successfully pass these tests, you will be invited to complete the final stage of the application.

Please complete the online tests as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is recommended), the closing date for the tests is 23:55 on 26/05/2024. If you fail to complete the online tests before the deadline, your application will be withdrawn. Guidance for the tests will be available when you are invited to take them. The tests are administered online and accessed via the CS Jobs website.

If you successfully pass the tests, you will be invited to complete the rest of your application where you will be assessed on the Behaviours and Experience elements of the Success Profiles.

You will be asked to provide a 250-word statement on the Behaviour, Communicating and Influencing.

To assess experience you will be asked to provide a 500-word personal statement and a name-blind (anonymous) CV.

Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be undertaken using the lead behaviour of Communicating and Influencing. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to interview.

Selection process

At interview, you will be assessed on the Behaviours and Experience elements of the Success Profiles. 

The Behaviours being assessed are: Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace and Making Effective Decisions. 

At interview you will be asked to prepare and deliver a presentation for the behaviour - Communicating & Influencing. More information on the presentation will be provided to candidates in the invitation to interview.

Expected timeline (subject to change)

Expected sift date – w/c 27/05/2024
Expected interview date/s – w/c 10/06/2024
Interview location - Google Meets Video Conferencing

Reasonable adjustments

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

• Contact Government Recruitment Service at: cabinetofficerecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
• Complete the ‘assistance required’ section in the ‘personal information’ page of your application form to provide information we should be aware of that will enable us to support you further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at an interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

Further information

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'contact point for applicants' section.

Please note that this role requires SC clearance, which would normally need 5 years’ UK residency in the past 5 years. This is not an absolute requirement, but supplementary checks may be needed where individuals have not lived in the UK for that period. This may mean your security clearance (and therefore your appointment) will take longer or, in some cases, not be possible.

For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the following page https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/demystifying-vetting 

Please note terms and conditions are attached. Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you.

Any move to Cabinet Office from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at: https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.

A reserve list will be held for a period of 12 months, from which further appointments can be made.

New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Access NI on your behalf.

However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.

For further information on the Access NI confidential checking service telephone: the Access NI Helpline on 0300 200 7888 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email accessni@ani.x.gsi.gov.uk

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. 

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.